A/N: Hey guys. I really cannot thank you enough for the support that you've all given to me over the past few weeks. This story is literally consuming my every thought lol and I feel the need to just get it all out. But if it weren't for the awesome reviews that I've been getting, there's no way I would have had the motivation. I am not a successful novelist-the first real story I ever tried to put together was Jolina- and I can't tell you how amazing it has been to see myself grow as a writer and to tap into wells of emotions that I didn't even realize existed within me.

But like I said, I am in no way a professional, however, I do hope that I am providing an insightful and entertaining story for you all. I hope that none of you are reading this out of obligation, I hope you are reading it because you connect with the characters.

Real life can be tough, and at the end of a hard day,when you are feeling down or depressed, I hope that you find inspiration from my stories. But most of all, I hope that you come to see and feel these characters as more than just some OCs or re-imagined characters in a fanfic, I hope, if even for only while you are reading my story, my characters feel as real to you as Simba or Mufasa, and that their stories become some of your inspirations.

Thank you all so much for so generously sharing your time and thoughts with me. Even though I have never met any of you face-to-face, in a way, you all know me better than the people I interact with everyday. My stories are a reflection of my innermost thoughts and feelings-thank you for allowing me to share them with.

The song that best describes me would be This is War by 30 seconds to Mars-every lyric in that song is how I feel about life.

If I could write a scene between any two characters that never got one in the movies, it would be a Mufasa/Nala moment. We don't ever see these two characters interact and think it would interesting. I'm sure that Mufasa was just as much a father figure to Nala as he was to Simba.

Anyways, to the actual chapter, the song is Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace. (song lyrics appear further into chapter)

I do suggest listening to it, its a brilliant song.

But enough of my rambling-and on with the story!

Chapter 35: No Soul Escapes Hell

"Oh, I am so glad that we're finally out of that desert. I thought my paws were going to fall off." Tamalei said, attempting to diffuse the tension between her two companions.

The three lionesses had finally escaped the hellish heat of the desert and had arrived in the southern marshes, now it was just a matter of finding Kanala's sister.

"Yes, well if someone actually knew where they were going, we probably would've been out of there days ago." Kanala scoffed.

"Oh, so it's my fault! Remind me Kanala, who was the one who said we had to cross the desert?" Uru spat back.

"My point exactly, cross the desert, not walk around in circles like complete imbeciles!" Kanala shot back.

Uru gave Kanala an angry growl which the older lioness returned and it seemed that the two were about to come to blows when a sharp voice silenced them.

"Be quiet!" Tamalei suddenly said.

"What's your problem?" Kanala scoffed.

"Shut-up Kanala!" Uru said.

"W-why you little peasant, how dare you speak to me like that?!"

"Kanala, be quiet, don't you hear that?" Tamalei spat.

"No I don't, and-"

"Ssshh, both of you get down now, something is coming." Uru hissed.

The three lionesses crouched down as they heard many footsteps and voices getting closer. Uru gestured with her head for the other two to follow. The three began to slink away as quietly as they could, using the leafy coverage to conceal their presence. Uru gave a sigh of relief when she could no longer hear the footsteps.

"What do you suppose that was?" Tamalei whispered.

"I have no idea and frankly, I don't want to find out." Uru answered.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

Uru felt her stomach lurch as she heard the piercing voice. Looking around, she saw many savage looking lionesses melting from the mist of the marsh. They were completely surrounded.

The lioness who had spoken began to cautiously approach them, a pair of lionesses flanking her.

"Who are you and what are you doing on my lands?" she growled.

"Well, we are actually trying to find a lioness named Jumala-" Tamalei began.

"What is it you want with my pride leader?" the lioness shot back.

"Well, we've come here for her help." Tamalei answered.

"Help! We do not have the time nor resources to help riff raff such as you!" the lioness snarled.

"Now wait just a minute! Do you realize who you are talking to you?" Kanala asked in anger.

"Oh, I know exactly who I'm addressing-you're one of Kambili's filthy spies!"

"How dare you! For your information, I am Queen Kanala of the Kilaminjaro Pride, Jumala is my sister."

The lioness wore a shocked look, but only for a moment before a suspicious gleam entered her eyes and she turned and whispered something to the lionesses behind her. One of them whispered something back and the lioness nodded her head.

"Very well. We will take you to Jumala. But try anything and we won't hesitate to rip you to shreds. Follow me."

Uru and her companions were instantly surrounded by some of the lionesses as they were escorted deeper into the marsh. Throughout the conversation, Uru had been observing these strange looking lionesses-they were like none she'd ever seen before.

Of course, she had heard of the prides of the south, but no one seemed to know much about the elusive lions who kept to themselves.

The lionesses varied in color from deep gray to dusty beige-their fur blending in perfectly with the misty, dull coloration of the marsh. They were lean and muscular in build, but this feature was emphasized by their toned muscles and hard expressions-they were lionesses designed for killing.

But the most distinguishable feature on them was the angular and sharp shape of their faces and their long, thin muzzles and pointed noses. They contrasted sharply with the smooth and round features characteristic of her own pride and others in the north.

Finally, they emerged from the muddy marsh and came into a clearing surrounded on all sides by weeping willow trees and other gnarled plants common in the marshlands. Many more lionesses were sitting on some large boulders that formed a small den near the center of the clearing. Uru thought she saw a few cubs darting here and there, but her attention was on the suspicious glares the hard faced lionesses were giving her and her companions.

"Wait here." the lioness who had questioned them commanded.

Kanala rolled her eyes-as if they really had a choice but to wait-the lionesses that had escorted them through marsh remained in their formation, keeping the strangers trapped in their ranks.

After a few moments, Uru saw the suspicious lioness approach with another.

This lioness did not share the sharp, angular features of her pride mates; her frame was much heavier and smoother, her coat was a dark tan and she had very pale blue eyes.

"Kanala?" the lioness asked in surprise.

The lionesses who were guarding them immediately stood down.

"Sister." Kanala said, not even attempting to disguise the coldness in her voice.

"How, I mean how are you here? The last news we heard about...we received word many, many months ago that Kilimanjaro had been fallen to Kambili's forces, we were told that you'd been killed."

"Yes well, after he overran the pride, Kambili took me as a prisoner. I was rescued however by an army of rebels." Kanala replied.

"I am so glad to know that you are safe my sister." Jumala replied. "But tell me, who are your companions and what has brought you here?"

But before Kanala could reply to her sister's questions, a young adolescent lioness approached.

"Mother, Nucamia and the hunting party have returned."

"Thank you Bariah, sweet heart. I will be there shortly, you run along now." Jumala said.

Kanala looked at the adolescent-her niece- and it was clear to the old queen who the father was. Same dusty cream pelt and same dark green eyes.

"She certainly favors her father doesn't she?" Kanala asked.

Jumala met her sister's eyes. The younger lioness had never forgiven herself for betraying her sister.

Still, the fact that Kanala had hated her enough to banish her left a bitter taste in Jumala's mouth.

"So I see you two managed to make a nice life for yourselves. How sweet, tell me, did he stick around or has he already moved on to someone new?" Kanala continued.

"Kanala, Abdul, he-he is dead." Jumala whispered.

Kanala stood in silence for a moment, a pang of hurt squeezed her heart, but she immediately dismissed it.

"I can't say that I am sorry for that. But I do feel for the child-loosing a father...no one her age should have to go through that."

Jumala gave a small smile, at least there was still a small bit left of the Kanala she used to know.

"He-he was leading an offensive against Kambili's armies that were trying to invade the northern border of our territory. All of the male lions of age went with him, they managed to drive the intruders out, but at a heavy price. Some of the younger males they took captive, all the others were killed-Abdul among them."

"Well, that is tragic. And all the males of your pride killed-pity, no toys for me I suppose." Kanala said, her characteristic nonchalant coldness returning.

"I see your reputation with males precedes you sister. Even here, gossip of your numerous affairs spread." Jumala replied, slight disgust in her tone.

A sudden glint of rage filled Kanala's eyes, but she cooly replied,

"I really don't think you have room to lecture me on reputation dear sister. At least none of my lovers were already intended."

Jumala felt a sharp pang of guilt shoot through her, but she bit her tongue; Kanala did have a point.

Tamalei and Uru had remained in the back ground, observing the passive aggressive interaction of the two sisters. Certainly, this wasn't quite the welcome they had expected when Kanala had told them she had a sister who could help them.

Tamalei was quite curious as to the reason why the sisters exchanged such bitter words, but deciding that it was none of her affair, she remained silent on the matter.

"I do hate to interrupt, but I believe from exhaustion and errr...reuniting with estranged family...it appears Kanala has neglected to introduce myself and our companion." Tamalei said politely.

"I am Tamalei and this is Uru, Princess of the Pride Lands." Tamalei continued.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance Tamalei. And you are Princess Uru? Daughter of King Mohatu and Queen Jolina? Oh my, it is certainly an honor."

Jumala gave Uru a respectful bow before continuing,

"Your parents were most kind when Abdul and I were passing through the Pride Lands. They even offered to allow us to join their pride, but Abdul and I thought it best to abandon the northern kingdoms for...certain reasons. To hear that the Pride Lands had been overthrown, it was most upsetting to me. "

"Yes, well that is all good and well, however, that still doesn't answer the question of why they are here." The lioness who had questioned them put in.

"Oh yes, of course. Ghanai tells me that you have come in search of help from me?"

This time it was Uru who spoke.

"Yes. You see, Tamalei and I were apart of the army rebelling against Kambili, but...we were betrayed by one of our high ranking officers. Kambili found our base...the three of us are the only survivors."

"Oh, I am so sorry to hear such an awful story, but I'm afraid I don't see how I can be of help." Jumala replied.

"I have-We have a proposition for you Jumala. As you said, it won't be long until Kambili turns his eyes to the south again. If we act now, I believe we can stop him. However, we will need your pride's and any other surrounding pride's lions to be willing to fight against him with us."

Jumala sat in silence for a moment before she spoke.

"Ghanai, send for the leaders of our sister prides at once, their presence will be necessary. Tamalei, Princess Uru, and Kanala, if you will please follow me, I have a much more suitable place for us to talk this over."

Uru sighed in relief, maybe, just maybe, this plan was crazy enough to work.

oOo

There was good news and then there was the bad news.

The good news was that Jumala and the other pride leaders (who were consequently female as well) had all agreed that they and their prides would willingly support a rebellion of their own against Kambili.

The bad news was that there was not one adult male lion in any of the prides.

The stories she'd heard about the southern marsh lions were true-they didn't have kings and queens. Instead, they choose a pride leader-who was then a member of the High Council. The High Council was made up of all of the pride leaders and their advisors. Together, they formed a sort of alliance between the prides, in the case that should any danger threaten one, that threat would face the fury of them all.

That was why there were no males left. Every lion old enough to fight down to the elderly had faced Kambili's army on the northern border of the marshes-and everyone one of them had died on the field of battle or been taken captive. This had all taken place only three months before.

And now, with Kambili's lustful eye pointed yet again toward their home, the lionesses were more than willing to defend their land, their children, and the memory of their lost mates, fathers, sons, and brothers.

Uru was pleased to know that Jumala and the other leaders had already begun preparing the lionesses to defend their prides. Their prior training would make her life a lot easier, for Uru was given the responsibility to complete their training.

As of now, she had an army of nearly 75 lionesses. Against Kambili's massive army, Uru knew they hardly stood a chance, but for as long as there was still breath in her body, she was coming for that black hearted tyrant.

And she was coming for blood.

Uru sighed as she wandered off into the marsh, needing a few moments to herself.

The swampy region had its own mysterious beauty to it. The thick breeze that wrapped itself around the moss-covered trees seemed to echo whispers of ancient secrets. And the misty pools bubbled with a quiet tension-almost as if it was holding some long kept secret back.

Leaning her head over to take a drink of the cool water, Uru caught a flash of white out of the corner of her eye.

Looking up, she watched as a pure white swan landed gracefully in the mist-covered waters. The bird curved its neck in an elegant manner as it began to propel itself across the water. Uru watched, she'd never seen a swan before, and the white bird's nimble movement intrigued her.

Suddenly Uru saw another flash. She watched with curiosity as another swan-this one black as night-alighted in the water. This swan's landing was much bolder, almost threatening, as it pursued its white counterpart.

She watched as the two birds circled one another-hissing as their long necks weaved back and forth-like they were sizing one another up. But the two then disappeared from Uru's view as a they melted behind a thick cloud fog over the water.

After a moment, Uru heard a sharp screech of pain. The black swan emerged into view, and spread its large, ebony wings out, sending sprays of water up into the air. And just as it took off into the sky, the dark swan turned its red-eyed gaze to Uru before disappearing into the trees.

Shaking herself from her trance- like state, Uru bent her head over to sate her thirst, still pondering the strange sight. And as she drank, a bitter metallic taste hit her tongue...blood. Looking up, Uru saw a broken form floating lifelessly in the water.

It was the white swan.

As it came closer to the shore, Uru reached out her paw and caught the bird, bringing it onto the sand.

She looked at it and found that it was most certainly dead. Its once long neck was now broken, laying at a jagged angle. And tainting its pure white feathers was a large crimson stain.

Uru delicately lifted the creature in her mouth and carried it away from the water. Not completely registering what she was doing, Uru began to dig a shallow hole and when she was done, she gingerly placed the fragile bird into the hole and began re-filling it.

When she had completed the task Uru stood over the mound for a moment in silence, and as she turned away, a single, pearl-drop tear fell from her eyes to the freshly disturbed earth of the grave.

oOo

I can't escape this hell

So many times I've tried

But I'm still caged inside

He was being watched.

Sure, Kambili may have put him in charge of the northern region, but he knew many eyes were watching him. Waiting for him to show insubordination, waiting for him to try to make a run for it.

Sure, the first few days he'd though about it. Heck, he'd even tried it.

And look where that got him. He'd had to watch Kambili snap the life out of an elderly lioness, with the threat that if he attempted it again, she wouldn't be the last.

Those old eyes, full of pain and terror...they were another haunting image to torment him in his nightmares.

Kambili's orders had started off simple-patrol a border here, observe some troops there.

But as the weeks passed on, the instructions became more brutal-both for him and his victim-and yet, he continued to obey.

Ahadi knew that he was slipping again. Slipping into that same darkness that had almost consumed him before. And what worried him even more, was that it satisfied him.

Somebody get me through this nightmare

I can control myself!

She screamed as he tore into her flesh, exposing the bone of her shoulder and leaving a gaping wound that began to ooze blood.

"You knew the penalty for insubordination." his cold voice mocked. "Now you will pay the price."

Pinning her weakened body to the floor, the lion placed his massive paw over her muzzle, cutting off her air supply. With the little strength she had, the lioness began to convulse as her body struggled to hang onto its least thread of life, in a desperate effort to breathe. But is was no use, and after a moment, she ceased struggling.

When he felt the body go limp, the lion walked out of the cave, and turned to his lieutenants.

Upon beholding their commander with blood dripping down his muzzle and an evil glint in his green eyes, the two lieutenants jumped when he addressed them.

"Dispose of the filth and report back to me immediately."

"Yes sir!"

The lion was satisfied by their swift response, by their unquestioning obedience. And most especially by the look of pure terror in their eyes.

He knew that he was gone. That he'd finally succumbed to the darkness. And he didn't care.

It was the same curse that had left his father a cold creature, the same desire that had nearly destroyed him before, and the same insatiable lust that claimed his soul now...power.

So what if you can see

The darkest side of me

No one will ever change

This animal I have become!

"Sir. Are you sure this is the best way? They would make fine troops, they simply need a bit more time to adjust."

"No! Kambili made it clear that any attempt of rebellion or any instance of disobedience was to be immediately punished. And I suggest you carry out my command, unless you intend on sharing their fate."

"No sir. It will be done right away sir."

A few moments later, the lion could hear sharp shrieks of pain, desperate voices begging for mercy that would never come. At least, not until there was nothing left for mercy to pardon.

Even as he felt the twisted satisfaction, the lion could not dismiss the the bitter pang of guilt.

But last time, he had his sister, his brother, and his friends to fight for; to cling to the goodness in his heart for.

This time, there was no one.

"I hope you're happy Kambili. You have me right where you want me. Just as dark and cruel as you...and glad for it." he thought bitterly.

Help me believe it's not the real me

Somebody help me tame this animal!

"I don't think you really believe that. I think you try to hide the goodness in you under a mask of darkness."

He heard the voice echo inside his head.

NO! He wouldn't think of her. He couldn't think of her-he would only taint her memory...the memory of a sweet, pure heart.

And now, now he had his job to do.

Oh, these new recruits were stubborn, always one would speak out against him, and then, he would have to make an example out of them.

It was another hot-headed lioness, but now she was cowering in the corner, trying to escape the monster that had entered the cave she was trapped in.

She gasped in terror as the green eyed demon approached, a sickly smile plastered on his twisted features.

Ahadi only scoffed at her. Poor, pathetic, little fool.

Trapping her in the corner, he raised her massive paw to deliver the crushing blow when the lioness's features began to transform.

And as his paw came smashing down, he beheld the terrified amber eyes of Uru.

Ahadi shot up from his sleep. He looked around his cave, nothing seemed out of place. It had been another one of those nightmares. The ones that prevented him from completely abandoning his former life, no matter how badly he wanted to.

But even if there is a small flicker of light, some darknesses can never be overcome.

oOo

I can't escape myself.

So many times I've lied.

But there's still rage inside.

The lionesses were exhausted. Never had they been pushed so hard for so long in all their life.

But they understood the need for it. And they respected their new commander; she would make warriors out of them.

Night and day, Uru trained them, teaching them all the things he had taught her.

She instructed them how to use stealth attacks and how to make use of their agility and speed; their advantages as females.

The lionesses, thanks largely to their prior training, had proven to be superb troops, excelling at both fighting and stealth.

It had been two months since she had begun training them and soon it would be time for them to make a move.

oOo

"That won't work. We cannot attack from our current position." Uru protested.

"Then what do you suggest?" Kanala spat.

Uru paused for a moment. The idea that had taken root in her head seemed like a risky one, but it was the only one that she could think of that wouldn't backfire.

"Look, Kambili is comfortable when it comes to the northern region now that he wiped out the rebel forces there, he won't be on guard. That's where we have to make our move."

"But what about our home? Surely you're not suggesting that we simply abandon the lands of our ancestors?" one of the pride leaders asked.

"No, you see, that wouldn't work either. If we took the entire army, we would be setting ourselves up for disaster. I propose that Kanala, Tamalei, and I take a small division to the northern mountain regions. Our numbers will be small enough that the chances of being captured would be significantly reduced, and if all goes as planned, we can start rebuilding a large army from rescued lions. And then, Tamalie, Kanala, and I will drive into the Pride Lands from the north and you all will come from the south and we will crush them between our two forces. Kambili will not be expecting two armies from two sides to attack at once. I know it's risky, but it's the best shot we've got. "

"So, you're suggesting that if it is possible for you all to build a decent force, we make a full scale invasion of the Pride Lands?" Jumala asked.

"Yes. The Pride Lands is Kambili's foothold, it's how he maintains such a strong hold on the surrounding lands, if we liberate the Pride Lands, he doesn't stand a chance of holding onto the other areas." Uru replied.

Jumala and the other pride leaders left the den to discuss Uru's proposition. When they arrived, Jumala bowed her head to Uru and one of the older pride leaders replied.

"Our fate rests in you, daughter of Jolina."

oOo

The ways of the marsh lions was mysterious indeed. The elders of the prides had told Uru of a strip of fertile land that ran on the outskirts of the desert from the southern marshes to the northern mountains. And sure enough, Uru had found and followed the green passage, sparing her troops from the brutalities of the desert.

Uru and Kanala had selected a division of the lionesses for the combat force and Tamalei had chosen a handful for a new intelligence commission. In fact, Tamalei seemed to have already gathered quite a bit of information about enemy bases. Uru wasn't sure how she'd done it, but she didn't care as long as it was done.

They had arrived back in the mountainous forests two days ago, she'd done all she could to prepare her troops, and tonight would their first strike.

And if Uru had anything to do about it, blood would spill.

Somebody get me through this nightmare

I can't control myself!

"GO! GO! GO!" Uru shouted as she and the other lionesses poured into the enemy base.

As soon as they had entered, they were greeted with a wall of enemy troops. Uru was a bit surprised to see many hyenas in the enemy ranks, but no matter, one of her lionesses could easily take on three of the flea-bitten mutts.

Uru threw herself into the frenzy, slashing out with lightening fast strikes. She clamped down on the neck of a hyena that had lunged at her, easily snapping the creature's neck.

A large lion came at her next with a large roar, Uru barely had time to dodge the attack. But she pivoted on her back legs and threw her body weight into the lion causing him to fall to the ground, where she easily pinned him and snapped his front leg with her jaw.

"No, no, please. Don't kill me. I beg you." the lion pleaded.

The lion looked on in terror at the dark lioness standing over him, blood drizzling down her muzzle, and in her dark eyes, he saw that there was no mercy.

With a furious roar, Uru slashed her claws across his exposed chest and neck, severing his jugular as though it were a thin blade of grass.

She felt a crushing weight on her back as two enemy lionesses tried to take her down, Uru bucked, managing to dislodge the lionesses.

One of them hit the ground and ran, but the other threw herself back at Uru. Uru reached up and caught the lioness mid-air, and with incredible force, slammed the her hard on the ground. The lioness's form lay broken and still; and Uru turned to charge at a group of hyenas closing in on one of her own lionesses.

She lunged at the mangy animals, hungry for their blood and one by one their bodies hit the ground.

As she battled her way on, Uru grew more and more angry; the blinding rage that filled her as she tore her way through the enemy lines made her feel powerful.

This complete surrender to her killer instincts, to this animal, felt good.

So what if you can see

The darkest side of me

No one will ever change

This animal I have become

"Uru, please don't. She's new and scared. Please, I will talk to her. She was just confused, please!" Tamalei begged.

"Don't listen to her Uru, this lioness tried to betray us. You remember what happened last time." Kanala said with bitterness.

"Uru, please, show her mercy, I beg you." Tamalei pleaded once more.

Uru paused for a moment as she looked into the cave the traitor lioness was being kept in. She had been rescued by Uru's force a few weeks before during their first successful mission, and had been caught two days ago trying to escape to one of Kambili's bases.

But whether it was treachery or simply desertion, the lioness had still betrayed the cause she had sworn to serve, and that crime came with a heavy price.

"No Tamalei. She knew the penalty. There is no mercy for traitors." Uru said coldly as she entered the den.

The lioness huddled in the corner was young, no more than three years. She watched in fear as the older lioness entered.

Uru walked up to the lioness, looking right into those youthful orbs.

"I am sorry it has come to this, but you knew the price."

The young lioness gasped in terror as Uru raised her paw, deadly claws extended.

oOo

Tamalei and Kanala were standing outside the cave, waiting.

And when a fear-filled screamed pierced the air, Tamalei lowered her head, a tear sliding down her face for the lost life of the young lioness and for the lost soul of Uru.

Uru left the cave, removing the blood from her muzzle.

Kanala gave her a nod of approval, but Tamalei raised her tear-stanined face in pain.

"How could you Uru?! How could you have taken such a young life?! You've allowed this dark bitterness to corrupt you. Where is the Uru that I called friend? For this cold lioness in front of me is not she."

"This is who I am now Tamalei. Get used to it. Besides, I have no use for friends anymore!" Uru spat back.

"Yes, I can see that. But you know what I also see, someone who is just as cruel as-as...as Kambili!" Tamalei shouted.

"SILENCE! I AM NOTHING LIKE HIM!" Uru roared.

"Do you think this is who your father wants you to be, who we want you to be, who Ahadi wanted you to be?!"

"Well, you know Tamalei. I do recall Ahadi saying once that in order to defeat your enemy, you must master their tactics and beat them at their own game."

Uru paused, more rage filling her as she continued,

"So if I must become like Kambili to see his blood spilled...then...so be it."

Tamalei, even Kanala stood in shock as Uru stormed away.

oOo

So what if you can see the darkest side of me

No one will ever change this animal I have become!

"Sir, we have the information." a lion said approaching Ahadi.

"Tell me what you know." Ahadi sharply commanded.

"Unfortunately, we were not able to discover much about the rebels' origin, however, we were able to learn the name of their leader."

"Don't bother me with that. I don't care about names, I want to know their current location!" Ahadi threatened.

"Very well sir, we are not sure of the exact whereabouts, but our scouts know the general area. With just a small force, we should be able to wipe them out easily. Lieutenant Gyru is awaiting your command to lead the force."

"No. I will lead them myself. Gyru is a pompous fool and if Kambili didn't favor him so much, I would have killed him ages ago. As it is, I will lead the division against the rebels myself."

"Very well sir. Shall I have a message sent to Kambili, informing him of the situation?"

"No, we will deal with the rebels first, then we will notify him."

"Very good sir, I shall ready your troops immediately."

"One moment, what did you say the rebel leader's name was?"

"We believe it is some sort of a codename sir, though we're unsure of its meaning and-"

"The name please." Ahadi growled in annoyance.

"Pardon me sir. The name is Black Swan."

oOo

Somebody help me through this nightmare

I can't control myself

Somebody wake me from this nightmare

I can't escape this hell

Uru tore through her base as she angrily stormed away from Kanala and Tamalei. Tamalei was a fool for wanting to show that pathetic wench mercy. Good, brave lions don't get mercy, why should a traitor?

She noticed some of her troops giving her a weary look, afraid that her temper would be turned on them.

Uru couldn't control the rush of power and strength that surged through at those fear-filled looks.

She was glad that she'd lashed out at Tamalei, glad that they all knew that she wasn't some silly little princess. She was glad they were seeing the darkest side of her. She was glad they feared her.

Uru stopped when she reached a small pool of water. Looking down, she saw her reflection, an image she hadn't dared look at since Dameii's betrayal.

She was surprised when she saw a hard face looking up an her. She looked older and angrier. Almost as if every savage emotion churning inside her rage-filled soul had become a reflection on her face.

One thing was for sure, she wasn't the innocent little princess anymore, she was a cold-hearted killer.

And if that was what she had to be to survive, she would do it with pleasure.

"Always remember Roo, strength is not the will to survive, but the will to love."

"I'm sorry Father, but you were wrong. Survival, that is the only strength I have left. The only way I'm going to make it through this hell." she whispered to herself.

(Flashback)

Uru saw one of Tamalei's assisstants approaching her.

"Commander Uru."

"What?" Uru snapped.

"Lieutenant Tamalei has requested that you inform you of your new codename. If you are ready I will gladly deliver it to her."

Uru thought for a moment, she'd forgotten all about coming up with another blasted codename. And then a thought ran across her mind.

"Tell her that I have chosen...Black Swan."

(End of Flashback)

So what if you can see

The darkest side of me

No one will ever change

This animal I have become!

A/N: Well that is all I have for now everyone. I hope that you enjoyed it. I know I didn't go into too much detail as far as violence goes, but don't worry, some major show downs will be coming later on.

I hope you enjoyed the style of this chapter, I know it was a lot of boucing around, hope that wasn't difficult to follow.

And I really tried to create a lot of symbolism in this chapter. Did you recognize any of them?

*I do not know if swans are inhabitants of Africa, but I just took artistic liberties with that. The swan segment was inspired by a video I watched of a professional ballet company performing Swan Lake. The way the white and black swan are portrayed is so contrasting, it is almost magical. The ballerina dancing the part of the white swan is graceful and nimble, her postures and expressions always conveying innocence and honesty. While the movements of the black swan are bolder, more alluring, as well as the black swan's expressions are sensual and mysterious.

And I just want to expand on the thanks I gave at the top. As of this moment, this story has nearly 330 views. To me, that is just, absolutely mind-blowing. I really can't thank you all enough for being so generous and I want you to know that you all have my undying gratitude. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you-I've made some really great friends and exchanged some really insightful conversations with many of you. If you are reading this and have not left a review, please do, just so I can give you a proper thanks, whether that be in a PM or an author's note.

Again thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I love you!

1) What is the most powerful symbol in the Lion King movies to you?

2) If you could be an anonymous animal in one scene in the Lion King, what scene would it be and what animal would you be?

Thanks guys, till next time!